Sports Training Method and Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A training device comprising first and second handle sections each comprising a tubular member, the first and second handle sections connected along their longitudinal axis by a resilient tensioning member, a tubular connecting section positioned between the two handle sections and configured to cover the resilient tensioning member and maintain a rigid connection between the first and second handle sections so that the first and second handle sections may move only along their longitudinal axis, a blocking member attached to the first handle section, and a sliding member positioned on the first handle section such that it can slide axially along the first handle section with little resistance until it reaches the blocking member, wherein the sliding member is constrained from any further axially movement when it contacts the blocking member.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/380,410 filed on Aug. 27, 2016 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of sports training methods and systems. In particular, the invention relates to methods and systems for training athletes to improve their performance.

Description of Related Art

The muscles of the upper back and shoulders, referred to herein as the scapula muscle group, are critically important to athletes in a wide variety of sports. Prior art training systems and methods, however, fail to provide a simple, portable way to strengthen the scapula muscle group. The present invention provides a simple, portable method and system for exercising and strengthening the scapula muscle group, as well as the shoulders, arms and hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A training device comprising first and second handle sections each comprising a tubular member, the first and second handle sections connected along their longitudinal axis by a resilient tensioning member, a tubular connecting section positioned between the two handle sections and configured to cover the resilient tensioning member and maintain a rigid connection between the first and second handle sections so that the first and second handle sections may move only along their longitudinal axis, a blocking member attached to the first handle section, and a sliding member positioned on the first handle section such that it can slide axially along the first handle section with little resistance until it reaches the blocking member, wherein the sliding member is constrained from any further axially movement when it contacts the blocking member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in the accompanying FIGS. 1 through 5. Referring to FIG. 1, in various exemplary embodiments, training device 100 may have two handle sections 102 connected by a resilient tensioning member 104 such as a spring, an elastic cord, or any other suitable resilient member. The two handle sections 102 are generally tubular members arranged end-to-end along a longitudinal axis.

In various exemplary embodiments, the resilient member 104 may be configured to connect the two handle sections 102 such that it will resist separation of the two handle sections in the longitudinal direction. For example, in one exemplary embodiment a coil spring may be inserted into the two handle sections and secured in each handle section by a fastener such as a nut and bolt 106 or any other suitable fastener. In other exemplary embodiments, a resilient cord or cords may be inserted into the two handle sections and secured within the handle sections or as shown in FIG. 2 the resilient cord may extend out the distal ends of the handle sections and be secured there with a knot, hardware such as a ball stop 112 or gripping member 114, or any other suitable mechanism.

In various exemplary embodiments an additional tubular connecting section 110 may be placed between and within the two handle sections 102 to cover the resilient member 104 and/or maintain a rigid connection between the handle sections so that they move only on the longitudinal axis. Such a connecting section 110 may be shaped and positioned to keep the two handle sections perfectly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the device, or it can be shaped and positioned to maintain the two handle sections in an offset arrangement.

In various exemplary embodiments, one or more tubular sliding members 120 may also be positioned on one or both of the handle sections 102 such that they can slide axially along the handle section(s). Such sliding members may be unconstrained, such that they can slide the entire length of both handles and/or such that they can be removed completely from the device. In various other exemplary embodiments, movement of the sliding members 120 may be constrained. For example, blocking members 130 may be attached at various locations on the handle sections 102, or the two handle sections may be offset to impede movement of a sliding member beyond the offset.

To use the device of the present invention, the user may grasp one handle section 102 in each hand, and separate the two handle sections by moving them away from each other on the longitudinal axis of the device 100, separating them and/or holding them apart against the resisting force of the resilient member. Depending on where the device is held, this separating movement requires contraction of the scapula muscle group as well as the muscles of the shoulders, hands and arms.

For various embodiments that include one or more sliding members 120, the user may grasp on the one or more sliding members with their hands. The sliding members 120 may slide within any constraints such as blocking members 130 with little resistance other than any friction between the sliding member and associated handle section, but when constrained will require the user to overcome or resist against the force of the resilient member 104.

In various exemplary embodiments, the sliding member(s) and any blocking members or offsets can be configured to make an audible noise when they hit, providing auditory feedback to the user when the sliding member 120 strikes a blocking member 130.

All of the various components shown herein may be made from any suitable materials including plastic, steel, nylon, etc. While the devices and methods described herein have been discussed in reference specifically to exercising and strengthening the scapula muscle group, it will be readily understood that they can be used for training for a wide range of different parts of the body. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device comprising: first and second handle sections each comprising a tubular member; the first and second handle sections connected along their longitudinal axis by a resilient tensioning member; a tubular connecting section positioned between the two handle sections and configured to cover the resilient tensioning member and maintain a rigid connection between the first and second handle sections so that the first and second handle sections may move only along their longitudinal axis; a blocking member attached to the first handle section; and a sliding member positioned on the first handle section such that it can slide axially along the first handle section with little or no resistance until it reaches the blocking member, wherein the sliding member is constrained from any further axial movement once it contacts the blocking member.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the resilient tensioning member is an elastic band or strap.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the resilient tensioning member is a coil spring.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the first handle section is offset from the longitudinal axis of the second handle section. 